Split box mayhem!
Craig Munday
I was pleased to see the recent class 37s with split boxes in the South West. Our stud of class 37s over the BR years generally came from Cardiff Canton. Those who have read Roger Geach & Stve Marshall's book will note the amazing range of class 37s to visit the area rather than the regular locals, 142/181/182/185/196/206/207/222/247/267/274/299.
The earlier series 37001 - 37119 were rare. I vividly remember the Pixie Land Express 14/4/79 which brought a split box class 37 into the Duchy (37084). I recall 37099 with dominoes and skirts working out of St Blazey on clay, but otherwise they were scarce. Remarkably, my pal Julian Stanley captured 37084 on clay a year later. There was a remarkable picture on Facebook last year taken in 1985 of two spilt box 37s at Par working clay, I forget who the photographer was now. 37061 worked in Cornwall in Aug 1985.
27th July 1985 (and the week before) saw a York to Penzance relief train run. 37058 worked the first service down, and I was lucky enough to be at Plymouth for 37024's arrival on platform 4. This was an extraordinary working, and I joined the train as far as St Erth. The seven coach train was limited stops and made an exhilarating trip, a railtour in itself really. I captured two shots which are included.
It would be great to see any workings not captured before. Maybe they were more regular than first imagined up til privatisation.
The earlier series 37001 - 37119 were rare. I vividly remember the Pixie Land Express 14/4/79 which brought a split box class 37 into the Duchy (37084). I recall 37099 with dominoes and skirts working out of St Blazey on clay, but otherwise they were scarce. Remarkably, my pal Julian Stanley captured 37084 on clay a year later. There was a remarkable picture on Facebook last year taken in 1985 of two spilt box 37s at Par working clay, I forget who the photographer was now. 37061 worked in Cornwall in Aug 1985.
27th July 1985 (and the week before) saw a York to Penzance relief train run. 37058 worked the first service down, and I was lucky enough to be at Plymouth for 37024's arrival on platform 4. This was an extraordinary working, and I joined the train as far as St Erth. The seven coach train was limited stops and made an exhilarating trip, a railtour in itself really. I captured two shots which are included.
It would be great to see any workings not captured before. Maybe they were more regular than first imagined up til privatisation.
37084 approaching Par on a clay working in 1980. Copyright Julian Stanley.
37024 arrives at Plymouth Platform 4 on 27.07.1985. Copyright Craig Munday.
37024 at St. Erth with the same train pictured above. 27.07.1985, copyright Craig Munday.
Many thanks Craig (and Julian) - a nice selection. We'd love to see more split box photos if anybody has any lurking in their albums!
59's at 40
Steve Clark
January this year marked the 40th Anniversary of the Class 59s on these shores. An incredibly successful Loco which can shift 4500 tonnes with minimum fuss. The 59/2 sub class has (i believe) worn the most liveries (National Power, EWS, DB Red plus G&W Orange) although 59002 must rival that having been in FY Silver, Mendip Rail Green and Orange then AI Livery!! I enclose some images of the Locos in action.
59202 passing Westbury 'Box with the 6C76 Acton to Whatley on 30th June 2015. Copyright Steve Clark.
'Daddy Dipper' 59001 has No.1 end leading hence the Bell as it passes Clink with the 6C28 Exeter Riverside to Whatley on 31st March 2016. Copyright Steve Clark.
59102 grinds its way through Sonning Cutting with the 7A09 'Jumbo' train from Merehead to Acton. Given the length of this train it is likely to be conveying 3 portions which will be split at Acton and sent to various Terminals within London and the South East - 17th August 2016. Copyright Steve Clark.
Many thanks Steve - what a success story the 59's have been.
Aller Junction Signal Box
Paul Barlow
With reference to Nick Perring's pictures of Aller, a couple of Aller Junction box just before it's complete demolition in May 1987.
A rare interior view of the now demolished Aller Junction Signal Box. Looking west, the lines to Paignton are to the left and Penzance off to the right. May 1987, copyright Paul Barlow.
Looking east towards Newton Abbot we see the (also now demolished) farm bridge, from where many Aller Junction photos were taken. 22.02.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks indeed Paul, some great views of a scene now much changed by time.